Therapeutic antischizophrenic activity of prodigiosin and selenium co-supplementation against amphetamine hydrochloride-induced behavioural changes and oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic challenges in rats.

Schizophrenia (SCZ), a multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder, is treated with inefficient antipsychotics and linked to poor treatment outcomes. This study, therefore, investigated the combined administration of prodigiosin (PDG) and selenium (Na2SeO3) against SCZ induced by amphetamine (AMPH) in rats. Animals were allocated into four groups corresponding to their respective 7-day treatments: control, AMPH (2 mg/kg), PDG (300 mg/kg) + Na2SeO3 (2 mg/kg), and AMPH + PDG + Na2SeO3. The model group exhibited biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes similar to those of the SCZ group. Contrastingly, co-administration of PDG and Na2SeO3 significantly increased the time for social interaction and decreased AChE and dopamine. It also downregulated the gene expression of NMDAR1 and restored neurotrophin (BDNF and NGF) levels. Further, PDG combined with Na2SeO3 improved the antioxidant defence of the hippocampus by boosting the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR. These findings were accompanied by an increased GSH, alongside decreased MDA and NO levels. Furthermore, schizophrenic rats having received PDG and Na2SeO3 displayed markedly lower IL-1ß and TNF-α levels compared to the model group. Interestingly, remarkable declines in the Bax (pro-apoptotic) and increases in Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) levels were observed in the SCZ group that received PDG and Na2SeO3. The hippocampal histological examination confirmed these changes. Collectively, these findings show that the co-administration of PDG and Na2SeO3 may have a promising therapeutic effect for SCZ. This is mediated by mechanisms related to the modulation of cholinergic, dopaminergic, and glutaric neurotransmission and neurotrophic factors, alongside the suppression of oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis machinery.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 6: Effect of drug.

The effect of addition of ascorbic acid, which is a drug known to be difficult to compress directly, on the self-binding efficiency of tragacanth, Carbowax 4000, Plasdone, and mannitol were investigated. The flow properties of ascorbic acid of different particle sizes were determined since they would affect the flowability of the binders investigated and would help to determine the optimum particle size of the drug required for maximum binding efficiency.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 7: Formulation and evaluation of ascorbic acid and phenobarbitone tablets.

Directly compressible powder blends containing either ascorbic acid or phenobarbitone, and utilizing tragacanth, Carbowax 4000, Plasdone, and mannitol as dry binders, were formulated. The flowability of the powder mixes prior to compression was determined. Furthermore, the tablets prepared according to the suggested formulae were tested for hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, distribution of active ingredient, disintegration, and dissolution. The effect of aging on the qualities of the tablets was also studied.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 5: Effects of lubricants and flow conditions.

The effect of talc, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and Acrawax C, which are commonly used as lubricants, on the dry-binding efficiency of tragacanth, polyethylene glycol 4000, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and mannitol were investigated. The effect of Aerosil which is sometimes utilized as a flow conditioner for directly compressible powder blends was also studied. The type and concentration of lubricant or flow conditioner appeared to influence the binding efficiency of the binders investigated to various degrees. The results showed that the bonding characteristics of all the binders tested except mannitol were reduced by the addition of the lubricants and the flow conditioner.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 3: Effect of diluents.

The effects of lactose and dibasic calcium phosphate as diluents on the dry-binding qualities of tragacanth, polyethylene glycol 4000, polyvinylpyrrolidone and mannitol were investigated. The type, concentration and particle size of the diluent appeared to influence the flowability and the binding properties of the binders investigated.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 4: Effect of disintegrants.

The effects of starch and Veegum as disintegrants on the dry-binding qualities of tragacanth, polyethylene glycol 4000, polyvinylpyrrolidone and mannitol were investigated. The type of diluent and its concentration in the powder blends appeared to influence the binding efficiency of the binders investigated.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 2: Comparative self-binding properties.

Comparative self-binding qualities of four substances studied as potential dry binders for direct compression applications in tablet making were investigated. The effect of particle size of these materials on hardness, friability and hardness-friability ratio of disks made with mere binders was studied. The results showed that for comparable particle sizes, values of hardness-friability ratio of the various disks were in the following descending order: Plasdone, tragacanth, Carbowax 4000 and then mannitol.

Investigation of some materials as dry binders for direct compression in tablet manufacture. Part 1: flow properties and water sorption.

Four substances were evaluated for their potential usefulness as dry binders for direct compression techniques in tablet making. The flow properties of these substances including angle of repose, timed delivery through an orifice and compressibility were determined. The effect of particle size of the binder on its flow properties was investigated. Comparative rates of water sorption demonstrated by the various substances evaluated as dry binders were also determined.